Neither had I until about a month ago but if you’re in police equipment procurement you probably know the name. ASP has been a leading Law Enforcement supplier for decades. Flashlights, batons, handcuffs, training, and training aids have been ASP’s premier products to the LEO community.
Products useful for one market usually have crossover into more and ASP this year at SHOT Show (Booth# 11971) will be opening toward the civilian self protection and EDC markets.
ASP Raven AAA, 140 lumen pen light
ASP is debuting an expansive selection of handheld duty ready lights to meet end user requirements. The company was a complete unknown entity, but their response when I began inquiring about specifics was… well, thorough.
All the Lumens, Plus a baton and pepper spray
Instead of a vaguely descriptive sales pitch about tactical lumen dynamics or any of the other buzzwords they said “here look”. They sent me the Dot, Raven, Pro DF, Tungsten, and Turbo.
One of the greatest features I’ve seen on any handheld was immediately apparent on four of the lights, micro USB recharge. Not just an optional rechargeable battery with a ‘buy it later’ recharge pack, the lights themselves plug into a micro USB.
O-Ring sealed micro USB charge ports. Retractable USB cord, AC wall, and DC lighter adapters all included. Tungsten and Turbo
You can plug the lights into your car, laptop, phone charger, wall outlet and all the hardware is included. The Dot has an internal rechargeable battery and the Turbo, Tungsten, and Pro DF have the ASP Proprietary 18650 Li-Ion battery. All of the 18650 powered lights can use CR123A batteries as alternative power sources, the use of the disposable batteries also uptick the lumen output.
The ASP Tungsten next to my Inforce 6VX
The individual capabilities of each of these lights cover a wide range from simple single mode to multi mode selective illumination options. As I dig into each of them individually I’ll detail the features in their reviews.
I have adopted the Tungsten as my EDC light and testing begins immediately.
The Raven is ASPs newest little penlight.
Two AAA battery power source and the size of an average ink pen to conveniently ride in a pocket, MOLLE, or a myriad other places a pen can be placed. The 140 lumen Raven should be shipping right around SHOT Show.
I’ll be swinging by Booth #11971 and speaking with ASP more in depth on their product line, training, and company focus moving into 2018.
In the meantime swing by ASP’s webpage. You don’t need to wait until SHOT to grab a new light, except if you want a Raven.
EAGLEVILLE, PA, January 9, 2018– Streamlight® Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices, announced it has added a new model to its PolyTac® line of tactical lights to include an enhanced, dual fuel version. The new light, the PolyTac® X, features 600 lumens, and offers the versatility of a rechargeable battery option.
The light can be powered by either two 3-volt CR123 lithium batteries or one Streamlight rechargeable 18650 lithium ion battery. This multi-battery option allows for use of primary disposable batteries if the rechargeable cell is out of power.
“With its battery versatility and powerful lumen rating, the new PolyTac X is among the brightest and most adaptable polymer tactical lights on the market today,” said Streamlight Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Michael F. Dineen. “It is ideal for everything from conducting searches in low light to lighting up an outdoor trail to repairing equipment. Even when a charging source is not available, you can use disposable batteries, ensuring that you will never run out of power in any situation.”
The PolyTac X uses a power LED to provide three lighting modes: high, medium, low, and strobe. Regardless of battery source, the light delivers 600 lumens on high, 11,485 candela, and a 205-meter beam distance, which is enough to provide critical lighting for a range of tactical uses. When using CR123A batteries, run times range from 2.75 to 34 hours; when using the 18650 battery, they range from 3.5 to 36 hours. On the strobe setting, run times are 5.5 hours and 8 hours, respectively.
The light’s TEN-TAP® programmable push-button switch allows users to select from three programs: high/strobe/low (factory default); high only or low/medium/high.
The PolyTac X is exceptionally durable, featuring a case made of high impact super tough nylon polymer that also provides a sure grip. It weighs 4.34 ounces and measures 5.46 inches.
The new light features an IPX7-rated design, providing waterproof operation to 1 meter for 30 minutes, and is impact-resistant tested to 3 meters. It is available in black, yellow, or coyote.
Streamlight offers an optional 18650 Battery Charger that can recharge either one or two batteries simultaneously, and permits charging through either AC/DC or USB power sources.
The PolyTac X has an MSRP of $75.00. It is packaged with two CR123 batteries and a removable pocket clip and comes with Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime warranty.
About Streamlight
Based in Eagleville, PA, Streamlight, Inc. has more than 45 years of experience making tough, durable, long-lasting flashlights designed to serve the specialized needs of professionals and consumers alike. Since 1973, the company has designed, manufactured and marketed high-performance flashlights, and today offers a broad array of lights, lanterns, weapon light/laser sighting devices, and scene lighting solutions for professional law enforcement, military, firefighting, industrial, automotive, and outdoor applications. Streamlight is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company. For additional information, please call 800-523-7488, visit streamlight.com or connect with us on facebook.com/streamlight;twitter.com/Streamlight; instagram.com/streamlightinc; and youtube.com/streamlighttv.
ANOKA, Minnesota – January 8, 2018 –Federal Premium’s all-new Syntech Action Pistol ammunition helps competitive action sports shooters stay on top of their game. The clean-burning, hard-hitting and extremely accurate ammunition offers a variety of benefits that make it a perfect choice for fast-paced, high-volume competition shooting. Federal Premium will launch Syntech Action Pistol at the 2018 SHOT Show (Booth No. 14551) January 23-26 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“Syntech Action Pistol utilizes all the same technology as the standard Syntech ammunition but is tailored specifically to the competitive pistol application,” said John Swenson, Federal Premium handgun ammunition design engineer. “During extended matches, the reduced fouling and cooler gun temperatures allow competitors to keep their focus on their performance and the match rather than equipment maintenance.”
The new bullets and loads are also designed to produce the least possible felt recoil while meeting power factor requirements and cycling reliably. “Reduced recoil in time-sensitive events means less muzzle rise and less time required for follow-up shots,” Swenson said. “That means more consistent hits and lower stage-completion times.”
“Syntech Action Pistol offers even better performance for competitive handgunners,” said Swenson. “It features the same TSJ but is loaded to competition power-factor requirements. Its heavy, flatter-nose bullets provide more reliable knock-downs on steel targets in competition and drastically reduce splash-back.”
Federal Premium offers Syntech Action Pistol in 9mm Luger, 40 S&W and 45 Auto. Designers configured the loads to meet the accuracy, reliability and power factor requirements of shooters who compete in the International Practice Shooting Confederation (IPSC) and United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA).
“Until the creation of Syntech Action Pistol, reloading was the preferred way to meet these needs,” said Swenson. “With our factory-loaded ammunition, shooters have a simple, convenient and better solution.”
Federal Premium recently signed on as sponsor of the USPSA, and Syntech Action Pistol is the official sponsored ammo of the organization, with their logo on the box.
“We’re proud to be the first major ammunition manufacturer to enter this exciting arena,” said Justin Johnson, Federal Premium product line manager. “USPSA shooters demand very specific things from their ammunition. It needs to be accurate, consistent, reliable, and meet power-factor requirements. Until our launch of Syntech Action Pistol, reloading was the preferred way to achieve all of the above. With our factory-loaded ammunition, shooters have a simple, convenient and better solution.”
I’ve been following the various rifle, armor, vehicle , and equipment improvement programs since before I enlisted in 2006. I’ve wanted to see an improved rifle from the M16 and M4 be fielded for awhile.
The current rifles have served well and are still excellent systems but several modern rifle iterations, even those based on the AR15, are producing notable improvements in accuracy and reliability. The general evolution in most modern equipment has left the military with a decade wide gap on some of its systems fielded vs modern capabilities and Gen. Neller is throwing one to the Grunts.
“I could kit out every grunt in the Marine Corps with the coolest s*** head-to-toe for $100 million,” he said. “And I intend to do that.” – Gen. Neller, comparing the cost to an F35B JSF
M27s, PMAGs, Carl Gustav’s, M855A1, and much more for the infantry seems to be fast tracking down the pipeline and I am looking forward to seeing the Military close the tech gap for the Infantry.
Newington, NH (January 8, 2018) – SIG SAUER, Inc. introduces the new High-Capacity Micro-Compact P365 – the ultimate concealed carry pistol. This revolutionary striker-fired 9mm pistol offers the perfect balance of capacity and concealment with unrivaled shootability and ergonomics. The P365’s patent-pending, narrow-neck, modified double-stack magazine holds 10 rounds in both the flush-fit and extended versions, plus one in the chamber, for a full capacity of 11 rounds – nearly a 50 percent capacity increase over pistols in its class. An optional 12-round extended magazine equips this micro-compact pistol with full-size 13-round capacity,allowing you to carry more, everyday – 365 days a year.The P365 is also smaller and lighter than most other pistols in its class, measuring 1-inch wide, 5.8-inches long, and 4.3-inches tall with a barrel length of 3.1-inches. It weighs just 17.8 ounces with an empty magazine.
The unique grip design and higher grip to bore axis reduces perceived recoil and makes the P365 as comfortable to shoot as many mid-sized pistols. The grip is fully-textured polymer with a slim-line rail that will accommodate SIG light or laser accessories. The stainless-steel slide comes standard with front and rear serrations for easier slide manipulation, as well as SIGLITE® night sights for faster sight acquisition under all lighting conditions.
“As a company, we are relentless in our quest to be better – to constantly improve upon our existing products and to design and build superior products than those currently on the market,” said Ron Cohen, CEO and President of SIG SAUER. “The P365 is a result of this push. We built this pistol around our new, proprietary magazine for maximum concealability, capacity and shootability. The P365 is a pistol for professionals and civilians alike who want a smaller, high-performance pistol that does it all. This is the ultimate, everyday concealed carry pistol.”
Disassembly is safe and easy with a three-point takedown that does not require the trigger to be pulled. A generous trigger guard undercut also allows for a higher hand position and better retention. The narrowing magazine design allows the upper part of the grip to be perfectly contoured to fit the shooter’s thumbwhen fired.
In continued partnership with Blackpoint Tactical, one of the nation’s premier holster manufacturers, SIG SAUER is offering a series of concealment holsters specifically designed for the P365. Immediately available for order are the Blackpoint APX and IWB holster variants.
As a complete systems provider, SIG SAUER will be launching several new products specifically designed to complement the P365. Products will include ammunition optimized for everyday carry, a high-performance weapon light, a laser sight, a P365 compatible suppressor and a P365 air pistol. Announcements and press releases will be forthcoming on each of these exciting and new P365 products.
SIG SAUER, Inc. is The Complete Systems Provider™, leading the industry in American innovation, ingenuity, and manufacturing. SIG SAUER® brings a dedication to superior quality, ultimate reliability, and unmatched performance that has made it the brand of choice among responsible citizens, and many of the world’s most elite military, government, and law enforcement units. SIG SAUER offers a full array of products to meet any mission parameter, from handguns and rifles to ammunition, electro-optics, suppressors, ASP (Advanced Sport Pellet) airguns and accessories. The largest member of a worldwide business group of firearms manufacturers that includes SIG SAUER GmbH & Co. KG in Germany and Swiss Arms AG in Switzerland, SIG SAUER is an ISO 9001: 2008 certified company with more than 1,700 employees. For more information on SIG SAUER, any of its products, or the SIG SAUER AcademySM, log on to www.sigsauer.com.
Editors Note: This article was a collaborative effort between Travis and Myself, as two Marines now onto other things we still like to keep up with what our beloved Corps is doing, especially as it concerns its armament.
The New USMC Pistol Qualification: The Combat Pistol Program
For over 30 years the Marine Corps fields a pistol qualification and training program known as the Entry Level Pistol Program. It came to be in the 1980s around the same time the M9 was adopted as the new service pistol. The ELP was a standardized marksmanship test with limited tactical application. Pistols are a limited application weapon in the USMC and sadly there wasn’t much focus on handgun training for most Marines. The ELP was long due for a replacement and in 2013 it was officially replaced by the Combat Pistol Program. The CPP has attempted to modernize handgun use and place an emphasis on the tactical use of a handgun.
Keith and I both fired the new CPP qualification and wanted to discuss it here. Firing these qualifications are a great way to gauge your personal skills against an objective metric. They can help sharpen your existing skills or even teach (and expose you to) you new skills entirely. This qualification could easily be adopted for concealed carriers and police use too.
Qualifications are something different you can add to your training to have fun and add some variety to a standard range trip.
Travis with his issued M9
Before we dive into the CPP you should take a peek back at the ELP qualification so you can see what changed from the last established standard.
25 yds – 15 rds slow fire in single or double action. Must finish in 10 minutes.
7 yds – Quick reaction drills – 1 shot in 3 seconds, pistol is in low ready. Repeat 5x. All shots are double action.
7 yds – quick reaction drills – 2 shots in 5 seconds, pistol is in low ready. Repeat 4x
15 yds – magazine change/sustained fire (3 shots from first mag, 3 shots from second mag, all in 20 seconds) Repeat 2x.
The Combat Pistol Program implements multiple reloads, consistent shooting from the holster, failure drills, and multiple distances. The Marine Corps replaced the NRA bullseye target with a more modern silhouette. The new target and the new qualification emphasizes proper shot placement on a human target.
Here is the New CPP Qual
And here is our new shot placement specific target.
This picture is slightly deceptive in terms of what a shooter sees when the target is downrange. The target’s scoring sections are divided by subtle lines. These lines are basically invisible at the distances the shooter engages it. The target trains you to instinctively shoot at important vital areas without needing visible scoring areas which distract from the goal of threat engagement.
Scoring is pretty self-explanatory using the picture above.
Expert – 364-400
Sharpshooter – 324-363
Marksman – 264 – 323
Anything less than that is considered unqualified.
What’s needed to shoot the Qualifier?
The CPP requires very little special equipment to shoot. All you need is the following.
Handgun
Holster
Two Magazines
40 Rounds
USMC Target
Magazine Pouch
I shot the qual with a Glock 17, a Wilder Tactical Mag pouch, and my Alien Gear Shapeshift Drop leg rig. I used the Drop Leg rig because that’s the closest I have to the current issued Blackhawk Serpa holster. I ordered a dozen of the Marine Corps targets, which you can find online. Unfortunately I am not sure when they are going to be delivered. I simply replaced it with a standard man sized target with the lungs, heart, and brain displayed to exercise proper shot placement.
Shooting the Qual
I went into this qual raw. No dry fire practice, no pre qual shoot, and I read the qual as I fired it. I used an app based IPSC timer on my phone to comply with the provided times. I didn’t score for the following reasons.
I don’t have the target to do so accurately.
I’m using a App based timer which is not always reliable.
I will say I found this qual easy. It’s more challenging than the old course, but not difficult for an experienced shooter. The timer adds a little stress, but I still feel like I have more than enough time to make the shots. The ranges won’t stress experienced shooters much. Even without the proper target I was able to group my shots in the heart and the edges of the lungs, and had zero issues with headshots. I have no doubt I would have qualified.
At 25 yards you still have plenty of time to take a shot, but I did find the most challenge here. The reload drills offer you plenty of time. Speaking of reloads I really like that there is a reload built into 1st drill at the 15 yard line. It’s implemented naturally into the controlled pair drills. It makes the shooter stop and think.
Simple reload drills prepare shooters to do reloads. There is no surprise when they come. A drill like this makes them stop, think, and reload. It begins to build the habit of naturally flowing to the reload outside of reload drills. If the qual was longer I would have liked to see more of these reloads implemented.
The use of controlled pairs and failure to stop drills are combat shooting fundamentals. It teaches shooters to control their fire, fire secondary shots, and transition to different areas on the target. I would like to see a controlled pair followed by another controlled pair. The reason being is sometimes it takes more than two shots and you may not be able to transition to a head shot. You don’t want to be so focused on shooting targets twice it becomes a training scar where you only fire twice in a defensive situation. This may be impossible due to the limitations of a qualification exercise.
From the thigh rig, consistent with current issued holsters
I am glad they kept a somewhat longer distance portion included in this qual. A lot of focus on handgun training these days seems to be done at the 5 to 10 yard line. This may work for a concealed carrier but Marines need the ability to reach out a little further than that. Shooters shouldn’t confine themselves to artificially reduced distances thinking longer shots will never be necessary.
My final complaint is there is no implementation of the rifle. The pistol is a secondary weapon for most Marines. A portion of the qualification dedicated to transitioning from rifle to pistol would be valuable for Marine’s real world situations.
The Combat Pistol Program qualification is not designed to be difficult. Marines still don’t have a lot of time with their pistols. Most Marines aren’t coming to the Corps with a background in IPSC. It’s a weapon that’s rarely used and nowhere near as important as the rifle for Marines. This qual establishes a baseline for proficiency. It’s really hard to justify taking time away from training with long guns to make Marines John Wick with a handgun.
It does give Marines more realistic training and teaches them skills they can practice outside of the CPP in unit training. This is an excellent step forward and hopefully the Marine Corps continues to update their training as time progresses.
The Marine Corps offers several rifle tables, and the addition of a second pistol table could implement a number of improvements. The following are some things I’d like to see if a Table 2 was ever added.
Adding multiple positions and shooting around/over barricades.
One Handed/ Weak Hand Shooting
Multiple Target engagement.
Rifle to Pistol transitions
Overall, it’s a good step forward. Hopefully it doesn’t take 30 more years to update their practices. You can read about the full Combat Pistol Program here.
TAMPA, FL, January 8, 2018 – Meopta is pleased to introduce the new MeoMag 3x magnifier. Designed for use with red dot sights, it can also be used as a monocular. This new generation Meopta magnifier features supreme optical performance, dioptric correction and can be used with any red dot sight on the market today. An added benefit of the MeoMag is its ergonomic body shape which fits comfortably into the user’s palm when used as a monocular.
“The MeoMag 3x is ideal for use with our MeoRed T, MeoRed T-mini, MeoSight III, M-RAD and all other red dot sights on the market today,” said Reinhard Seipp, general manager of Meopta USA. “When extra magnification is required for longer shots, the MeoMag 3x can be swiftly attached with the quick release mount and removed when additional magnification is no longer needed. A hinge mount is also available that allows the user to quickly flip the magnifier to either the right or left and out of the line of sight at a moment’s notice.”
Meopta’s proprietary MeoBright™ lens multi-coatings eliminate glare and reflections while the hydrophobic MeoDrop™ lens coatings ensure the highest level of visual clarity in adverse weather conditions, easily repelling rain and snow in addition to skin oils and dirt. The MeoMag 3x is also waterproof,shockproof and fogproof and comes with Fast Opening Lens Covers (FOLC).
$999.99
Optional Accessories:
Fixed Mount
Quick Release Mount
Hinge Mount (moves to left and right)
Nylon Tactical Pouch
Hard Case
Specifications:
Meopta MeoMag 3x
Magnification
3x
Objective Diameter (mm)
20
Exit Pupil Diameter (mm)
6.5
Eye Relief (mm)
60
Resolution (“ or SOA)
≤12
Field of View (°)
7
Dioptric Correction
-4/+3
Integral Transmission Daylight (%)
86
Integral Transmission Twilight (%)
83
Recoil Resistance (g)
500
Operational Temperature Range (°F)
-40 +140
Waterproof (m/hours)
2/2
Max. Length
4.65 in /
118 mm
Max. Height
1.85 in /
47 mm
Max. Width
1.93 in /
49 mm
Weight (oz)
7.48
About Meopta
The Meopta Group is a U.S. family-owned, multinational company with facilities in the United States and Europe. Founded in 1933 in Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic), Meopta is a leading manufacturing partner to many of the world’s finest optical brands. Meopta conceives, develops and manufactures precision optical and electro/optical systems for semiconductor, medical, aerospace and military industries as well as for consumer markets.
For more information regarding Meopta, please visitwww.meoptausa.com
Do you carry a sidearm and just content yourself that should the vague ‘something’ occur you and you alone will respond, gain fire superiority, and vanquish your foes by fire and fury? The thought that upon your timely and perfectly executed engagement the enemy will flee or fall is a wonderful fantasy.
Fantasy.
Reality will require a much more active approach with a complex set of unknown variables. ‘Something’ is an enormously complex variable. To simplify that variable and stack odds in your favor consider the following.
Bring a Gun.
Duh, you say, but seriously carry a gun every moment you can. Make it as much a habit as grabbing your phone, keys, wallet, etc. If you’re in poor practice at grabbing those be best at bringing your gun.
Bring Two Guns.
If your first gun does not work you have a second. If one was left in the car the other is still on your person. If you need to arm somebody and double your coverage you can. Two is one, one is none. There are a number of advantages to carrying double and the disadvantages are limited, mostly paralleling the excuses for not carrying even one gun in the first place.
Bring All Your Friends Who Have Guns.
Tongue in cheek aside if you routinely travel with other people you are less likely to be a target for violence to begin with. If the people you travel with are also armed, practiced, and even moderately proficient at the basics of gunfighting (like drawing and actually hitting the threat while not hitting non threats) a group has greater advantages than even a well practiced individual in the event of violence.
Think ahead, keep up proficiency, and foster good habits.
Choosing a weapon mounted light is one of the more difficult accessory decisions, second perhaps only to an optic on long guns. There are a myriad of options that span a wide price range from well under $100 to several hundred.
Streamlight reached out to me a few months back to evaluate some of their newest products. The one SL was most enthusiastic to put in my hands was their Protac Rail Mount HL-X
From the Streamlight Webpage
The HL-X is their new 1,000 Lumen programmable model and the rail mount version is, as the name implies, picatinny rail mounted. Configurable with either a standard momentary clickable on/off tail cap or a two button remote switch (included) the HL-X is equipped to go on a rifle in either configuration immediately.
A real quick run down on the light. The HL-X has a 6000 series anodized aluminum body, a single picatinny rail clamp, a crenelated reflector housing and lens rated for “impact”, C4 LED, high/low/strobe function that is programmable, and IPX7/4 rating (tail cap dependent) for water and debris resistance.
It’s the usual advertising sheet of shiny number laden factoids but it boils down to couple salient points.
The HL-X has an aluminum body and mount.
The HL-X has two operation configurations, tail cap and remote switch.
The HL-X has a 3 mode program selection.
The HL-X holds a water resistance rating, it is sealed.
Let’s define this last point first. The IPX7/4 rating depends on whether the tail cap or remote switch are installed. With the tale cap the HL-X is IPX7 rated, it can be submersed in water up to 1 meter deep (for water pressure) for 30 minutes. With the remote switch equipped the rating drops to IPX4 “a splash of water from any direction for at least 5 minutes”, while the light (specifically the switch) is no longer submersible it can still handle getting wet. Rain shouldn’t bother it and if anything the tail switch will be the effected compontent.
It’s 9 degrees outside so testing it in the rain has been… seasonally problematic.
I equipped my LWRC PSD with the HL-X in tail cap configuration. The 5.43″ length and 1.72″ height made this less than ideal on an short barreled AR. Changing to the remote tape switch was far more usable and added a greater degree of ambidexterity. I don’t plan on swimming with the light so using the tap switch doesn’t bother me from a durability perspective. Of note is the Mil-STD 1913 Picatinny mounting hardware included for the tape switch, rubber end pieces that slide onto and hold the switch to the rail, another out of the box usability factor I’m happy to see Streamlight add. While possible, I didn’t experience the switch becoming dislodged from the mount during use and hardware is provided to prevent that. The more of that you use the slower it is to move the light around though.
The HL-X’s programmable feature is not only appreciated, its necessary.
I’m not certain who in the flashlight community decided everything needed a Morse Code series of taps that unlocks and activates a rave mode.
The factory configuration of High-RaveStrobe-Low has no tactical application. In all my military and extracurricular tactical shooting training strobe was not used, none of my issued illumination equipment had strobe. Strobe does as much to confuse your vision as it does the potential threat and it is a non-intuitive series of control commands on most lights to activate the strobe and keep it going.
But with the TEN-TAP program you can switch it to the high only, or low/high modes. I use high only since the HL-X does not serve as a long duration search light, I have a handheld for that. Use of the tape switch gives a tactile difference between the momentary switch and the click on constant on. Press the long switch for on and release for off or click the button to turn the light on until you click it again and turn it off. If you’re using the light in a constant on search mode you can set it into the third mode low/high so low comes on first and this greatly increases battery life.
TEN-TAP is simple, you press the on switch 9 times quickly (less than .4 seconds between taps) and hold on the 10th. The HL-X will turn off after about a second. It has now switched to the next mode.
On my PSD the HL-X performed it’s functions to my satisfaction. During these months of use, live fire testing near the muzzle and piston, it has not dimmed or wavered, the beam has been constant, the batteries did not come off the contacts during recoil causing any flickering or failure, and the light did not malfunction in programming and switch to any other programmed mode.
The only issue (you can see above) is the HL-X took up the majority of the side it was mounted on making in use ambidexterity an issue. There are quick quality fixes like this offset mount from HSP but I did not avail myself of one. I returned my smaller Inforce WML to the PSD and challenged the HL-X on a new rifle.
While i didn’t experience issues with the cord near the gas block (seen here) I have flipped the switch around to be sure since.
On the FN SCAR17s I used a Magpul M-LOK offset mount and had a great deal more room to work with. On the conventionally sized rifle the HL-X could be mounted and used in a fully ambidextrous position easily.
Recoil resistance of the HL-X on the SCAR17s continued. No stoppages of the light during recoil, something I had experienced on the Type 1 RMR on my Trijicon ECOS, if any rifle would cause issues the 17 would.
The HL-X’s 1,000 lumen brightness is impressive. It can even be over bright depending on your other equipment and setting. Testing the light with five different optical set ups the HL-X can overwhelm and wash out “auto-brightness” optics like certain RMR’s or the Meprolight M21 in an indoor dark environment. Manual optics like the Trijicon MRO can be set to a brightness that does not washout but they tend to be so bright they’re “bleeding” without the light. The best optic was the ACOG with it’s solid etched reticle experienced no washout and contrasted nicely.
None of these washout issues were prevalent outside unless illuminating a close wall or object with an optic set to match the darkness. Even then it was less severe than indoors. This is not an issue with the HL-X, it happens with any bright light.
There is no doubt the HL-X lights up a room. It will remain on my SCAR for the foreseeable future.
A demonstration of “washout” with the auto brightness sensor on my camera.
Does the HL-X get my recommendation? Yes.
For just over $100 the HL-X has stood up and delivered. It’s greatest physical limitation is the IPX rating that places it in the capable outdoor light category, which will only matter if you need to swim with your rifle. Even if your gun goes for a brief dive without you the light itself should be fine, the remote switch may give up the ghost but that’s an easily replaced item. Also consider your available mounting space and how you intended to mount the HL-X, it does not have the smallest of footprints (compared to some OIF/OEF deployed lights though its downright microscopic).
Streamlight places a limited lifetime warranty on the Protac HL-X for any other issues you may run across.
Streamlight will be out at booth #12562 in Las Vegas for SHOT Show and I hope to swing by. They’ll have the HL-X, TLR-6, and much more on display and the visit should be quite illuminating. Pun always intended.
CLEVELAND, OHIO (January 4, 2018) Air Venturi, the leading manufacturer and importer of airgun, airsoft, and ammunition brands, is proud to announce the release of the revolutionaryDust Devil BBs, the world’s first frangible .177 caliber BB. Dust Devils are 10% faster than traditional steel BBs and shatter on impact with hardened targets for reducing ricochets and providing an overall safer shooting experience.
“Made right here in the USA, this new patent pending ammo is designed for dynamic shooting sessions where shooters don’t have to worry about ricochet,” says Paul Milkovich, Air Venturi’s Director of Business Development. “While frangible ammo has been popular with firearm shooters for decades, Air Venturi is the first company to produce a BB that leaves ricochets in the dust. Dust Devils are BBs perfected and we’re sure backyard plinkers and indoor shooters will take notice.”
Dust Devil BBs disintegrate into tiny fragments that safely crumble and fall, instead of sending rounds bouncing back at the shooter. Its proprietary blend of special alloys create a round that shoots 10% faster and is completely lead-free. Adding to Air Venturi’s wide assortment ofair guns, airsoft guns and ammunition, Dust Devil BBs will be available beginninginMarch 2018.
For up-to-date news and information from Air Venturi, sign up for email updates by emailingdealers@airventuri.comand letting them know you would like to receive exclusive, members only information.
About Air Venturi
Air Venturi is manufacturer and exclusive importer for international airgun, ammo and accessory manufacturers such as: Air Arms, Ataman, Beeman, Haendler & Natermann, Hellraiser, Kral Arms, Mantis, Seneca, TSD and Western Justice. We also carry a full line of airgun products from leading manufacturers including: AirForce, Anschutz, Benjamin, Beretta, Browning, BSA, Colt, Crosman, Diana, Daisy, Evanix, Feinwerkbau, Gamo, Hawke Optics, Smith & Wesson, Tanfoglio, Umarex, Walther, Webley, Weihrauch, Winchester and many more.
The windchill was below 0 the day I took that picture but I still loaded up and went to the range. It was a need trip. During the shooting drills I could feel the rust dusting off of my fundamentals.
Shooting is a discipline that requires constant practice. I spent to long away and aspects of my skill set suffered. My draw was slower and clumsier even factoring in a new holster. The grip and trigger press discipline I’d spent a substantial amount of effort on has slipping. I was shooting low/ low left with my P226, a sign that recoil anticipation was back.
Now I didn’t shoot badly overall. The course I shot I passed with the highest graded rating, dropping only a few points. The issue wasn’t passing an overall skill metric though, the issue was skill regression. I don’t like slipping.
There’s only one thing the combats skill regression, practice.
Seen on MrGunsnGear’s IG/FB
So even though we’re frozen, Michigan… do not get rusty.
EAST ALTON, Ill., January 4, 2018– The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has completed an extensive evaluation process and Winchester has been chosen as its primary source for .40 S&W pistol ammunition. This includes a bonded jacketed hollow point (JHP) service cartridge as well as full metal jacket (FMJ) and frangible training loads. Winchester has been supplying the FBI with service and training ammunition for many years and is honored to be awarded the most recent contract and continue to support our nation’s premier law enforcement agency.
The 180 gr. bonded jacketed hollow point (JHP) cartridge selected by the FBI is designed with patented technology that utilizes a reverse-jacketed, bonded bullet that can penetrate a wide variety of intermediate barriers while maintaining very consistent target penetration and reliable expansion. The nickel-plated cartridge prevents corrosion and ensures smooth feeding and extraction. Flash suppressed powder is used in this cartridge to maintain an agent’s night vision and meet the FBI’s stringent darkened range evaluation.
“The FBI uses one of the most rigorous ammunition tests ever developed and we are very proud that Winchester has been identified as having the best product performance.” said Matt Campbell, vice president of marketing and sales for Winchester.
About Winchester
Winchester has a distinguished 150-year history of innovation in hunting, recreation, law enforcement and military ammunition products. In the field, on the range or in defense of freedom around the globe, Winchester has the right product for any ammunition need. Winchester is The American Legend, a brand built on integrity, hard work and a deep focus on its loyal customers. Learn more about the history of Winchester by visitingWinchester.comor connect with us on Facebook atFacebook.com/WinchesterOfficial.
For more information on Winchester Ammunition for Law Enforcement visitWinchesterLE.com.
Winchester Ammunition is a proud supporter of the NSSF’s Project ChildSafe. For more information on the Own It? Respect It. Secure It.SMInitiative, please log on to:www.NSSF.org
The New Year is upon us. Keeping with the yearly tradition of setting goals for the year I came up with 5 to make gun guys and gals more rounded experienced shooters.
Improve as a Shooter
Isn’t this a goal we all have? We want to shoot faster and more accurately. We spend tons of money on range time and ammo to do so. Many of us hit a plateau where you simply don’t know how to improve your shooting from where you’re at. What else can you really do to become a better shot?
The first step I’d suggest is seek quality instruction. Find a reputable trainer who can spot errors you’re making, or teach you techniques you may have not been exposed to yet. It’s amazing what an experienced shooter and instructor can do to help you improve. Try and take a shooting course, just one, in 2018.
Fire up Google and find one. Expect to spend some money on a good one but it’s far more efficient spending that just ammo and range time on our own.
If training is difficult to come by in your area, or too cost prohibitive you can still improve and challenge yourself with a few tools you can get online. Pistol-training.com my go to resource website for finding interesting and dynamic drills. Some of my favorite include Dot Torture, the 5×5 Skill Test, and the El Presidente.
Targets are another consideration for any shooter. Targets are cheap and you can buy them at any gun store, Walmart, or on Amazon. However, there are two I’ve found for free that can be printed at home and are perfect for realistic training. There are the Sage Dynamics Vital Anatomy targets here. Kit Badger designed and produced some similar targets with a side profile.
Make New Shooter(s)
Shooting, hunting, gun rights and anything else related to guns is one generation away from disappearing. Beating legislation, and expanding gun rights is necessary but the way to truly win substantial gains is to make an anti gun stance political suicide. We do that by having a super majority of the US population as firearms enthusiasts and second amendment supporters.
The best way to bring more people into the fold is introduce them to the safe, fun, and addictive sport of shooting. As gun owners and enthusiasts we should seek out opportunities to take friends, family, and coworkers shooting when possible. I would go as far as to even provide the ammo and range time to get someone to simply try it out. Don’t try and convert them, as most people will be uncomfortable if there is some end goal and expectation. Just have fun with it, and if they have an interest it’ll grow.
New Shooter Starter Kit
You may not make someone an instant gun advocate but you’ve exposed them to shooting in a safe enjoyable manner. At the very least by being an open and friendly ambassador to the 2nd Amendment you’ve helped fight harmful stereotypes that are often perpetuated.
Join or Support Something Pro Gun
Outside of purchasing guns consider supporting the 2nd Amendment with a membership, a subscription, or a monetary donation to a Pro Gun group or organization. Here are three national organizations that could always use more support. The NRA (Especially the NRA-ILA), Second Amendment Foundation, and Gun Owners of America.
I know opinions vary on each organization but all three do good work and are responsible for many of the gains made in recent years. Consider a membership or donation to one of them.
Alternatively you can support local state organizations where a lot of the fights against gun control occur. There are myriad of small organizations who could use your help and may be a better choice than a National Organization for issues that affect you directly.
Lastly, with Youtube’s removing ad revenue there are gun channels struggling to bring you content and they are often some of the most prominent 2nd Amendment advocates. They also reach a large audience who may be new to guns. This is especially true for kids and young adults who’ve grown up in homes without guns. These channels often have Patreons which allow you to sponsor their shows for as little as a buck a month.
Try Something New
As gun owners we often get wrapped up in our specific discipline. I love handguns and shotguns because my at home range is only 50 yards. This year I’m trying to get back into riflery and get out there to 500 yards and beyond. I’d also love to get into the gaming circuit and try out IPSC and IDPA.
Safe Full of ARs? Try something more classic…
This year, even if you’re a new shooter, stretch your shooting outside the norm and try something new. There are plenty of options out there for you to try. Try skeet or trap shooting, become an instructor, jump into 3 gun, or try reloading. You don’t have to stick with any of them, just try them and see what you think.
Build a Gun
Building your own gun can be an absolute blast. You’ll get angry, frustrated, and sometimes feel helpless… but in the end it’s all worth it. The feeling of pride and accomplishment is just fantastic. Most people start with the AR platform and it’s simple enough to assemble an AR. If you want a challenge try to mill your own lower from an 80 lower receiver. Websites like 80-lower.com are one stop shops for the lowers, tools, and complete kits to mill and build a rifle. You can even build a ‘Not a Glock’ from Polymer 80’s Glock lower receivers/frames.
Aero Precision Stripped Lower
It all starts here…
If you want more challenge and want to spend more on tools building AKs and FN FALs isn’t impossible. My personal goal for 2018 is a Sten Gun build. Sten guns are remarkably easy to build if you have the right tools and can watch Youtube. Building guns isn’t a hard thing to do, and you’d be surprised at the options out there. Follow directions and then hit the range.
TAMPA, FL, January 2, 2018 – Meopta is pleased to introduce the MeoRed T reflex sight (1x30mm). The outstanding optical quality and unlimited eye relief of this red dot sight enable fast and accurate target acquisition when it matters most, regardless of eye position behind the sight.
The MeoRed T is an excellent primary sight on today’s MSR/AR platforms and features a 1.5 MOA illuminated red dot reticle with 12 intensity level settings for use in various light conditions. The tough housing of the MeoRed T is made of aircraft-grade aluminum for ultimate reliability.
“The MeoRed T is an excellent tactical sight for today’s MSR platforms when quick target acquisition is a must,” said Reinhard Seipp, general manager of Meopta USA. “This reflex sight is also compatible with night vision optics and magnifiers which makes it versatile for various situations in the field.”
Meopta’s proprietary MeoBright™ lens multi-coatings eliminate glare and reflections and deliver 99.7 percent light transmission per lens surface. The hydrophobic MeoDrop™ lens coatings ensure the highest level of visual clarity in adverse weather conditions, easily repelling rain and snow in addition to skin oils and dirt. The MeoRed T is also waterproof, shockproof and fogproof.
$999.99
Optional Accessories:
Yellow Filter
Anti-Reflection Filter
Anti-Laser Filter
Spacers
QR Base Mount
AR-15 Offset Mount
Specifications:
Meopta MeoRed T
Magnification
1 x
Objective Diameter (mm)
30
Eye Relief
Unlimited
Dot Size Diameter (MOA)
1.5
No. of Intensity Levels
12
Night Vision Compatibility
Yes
Elevation Range (MOA)
Min. 80
Windage Range (MOA)
Min. 80
Adjustment Increments (MOA)
0.5
Automatic Intensity Mode
no
Power Supply (V)
1.5-3.6 (1xAA)
Battery Lifetime (hours at medium intensity)
Min. 2,000
Automatic Shutdown (hours)
8
Recoil Resistance (g)
500
Operational Temperature Range (°F)
-40 +140
Waterproof (m/hours)
2/2
Max. Length
4.84 in /
123 mm
Max. Height
2.32 in /
59 mm
Max. Width
2.64 in /
67 mm
Weight (oz)
8.82
Objective Filter Thread (mm)
M34x.05
Eyepiece Filter Thread (mm)
M27x.05
About Meopta
The Meopta Group is a U.S. family-owned, multinational company with facilities in the United States and Europe. Founded in 1933 in Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic), Meopta is a leading manufacturing partner to many of the world’s finest optical brands. Meopta conceives, develops and manufactures precision optical and electro/optical systems for semiconductor, medical, aerospace and military industries as well as for consumer markets.
For more information regarding Meopta, please visitwww.meoptausa.com
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The Marine Corps offers several rifle tables, and the addition of a second pistol table could implement a number of improvements. The following are some things I’d like to see if a Table 2 was ever added.
New Shooter Starter Kit
Safe Full of ARs? Try something more classic…
